Actual specifications for Merom and Conroe remain nearly identical with the majority of Core 2 Duo processors coming with 4MB of L2 cache and running on a 667MHz front-side bus. Even low-voltage versions of Core 2 Duo such as the L7400 model will run on a 667MHz front-side bus and come with 4MB of L2 cache. Core frequency, however, is reduced from 2.2GHz in the T7400 model down to 1.6GHz in the L7400 model. All Core 2 Duo processors utilize virtualization technology enabled and are fully prepared to run 64-bit applications. Like Conroe, the 4MB of L2 cache is shared between the two processor cores.

Intel will debut the Core 2 Duo Mobile processors in a number of flavors. All prices are for distributors:

Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile Launch

Processor

Clock

FSB

Cache

Price

Intel C2D T7600

2.33GHz

667MHz

4MB

$637

Intel C2D T7400

2.16GHz

667MHz

4MB

$423

Intel C2D T7200

2.0GHz

667MHz

4MB

$294

Intel C2D T5600

1.83GHz

667MHz

2MB

$241

Intel C2D T5500

1.66GHz

667MHz

2MB

$209

This is only the first revision of Core 2 Duo, or Merom. Today's Core 2 Duo notebooks will be based on Intel's highly successful Napa platform, but the company will be phasing this Centrino platform out around Q2 of 2007. At that time, Intel will move in its Santa Rosa platform which uses the GM965 and PM965 Express chipsets and adds the ICH8M and ICH8M Enhanced Southbridges. Santa Rosa will replace Intel's 945GM Express chipset. This next generation of Merom processors will utilize an 800MHz front-side bus, slightly higher clock speeds and a different socket design.

According to Intel roadmaps, Core 2 Duo processors will make up for more than 55% of its total mobile processor shipments by early 2007. Additionally, Intel expects that dual core processors for the mobile platform will exceed 95% of its production output -- single core processors are definitely on the way out.

Intel roadmaps reveal impressive power consumption numbers for Core 2 Duo processors. Intel claimed on the average, Core 2 Duo processors will have a higher performance-per-watt ratio than existing Core Duo (Yonah) processors. However, DailyTech previously reported that those with a concern for battery life are more than likely better off with notebooks based on Core Duo processors. The top of the line Yonah processor, the T2700, has a TDP of 31W at 2.33GHz clock frequency. All Core 2 Duo Merom processors have a TDP of 34W, including the 1.66GHz T5500. By comparison, the 1.66GHz Yonah has a TDP of 27W.

Look forward to seeing Merom versions of the existing Core Duo notebooks available today since Merom is pin-compatible with Yonah processors. However, don't expect to buy a Merom off the shelf and stick it into your notebook -- the majority of notebooks manufactured today, including the recent MacBooks, actually have the processor soldered onto the motherboard rather than socketed. Furthermore, when Merom gets its next speed revision at the Santa Rosa launch, any new processors based on the Merom core will have a new socket.

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